The Power of Storytelling in a Divided Land
In a world where political and social conflicts often overshadow personal connections, the story of Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham stands out as a beacon of hope.
A Palestinian activist and an Israeli journalist, their friendship and collaborative work have not only documented harsh realities but also challenged the status quo, bringing international attention to the struggles of Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
Their groundbreaking documentary No Other Land has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning prestigious awards and sparking critical conversations about justice, human rights, and coexistence.
The Reality of Masafer Yatta
Basel Adra, born and raised in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank, has spent years documenting the Israeli military’s demolition of homes, schools, and wells. Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham’s work is not just about journalism—it’s about survival.
For decades, Israel has sought to expel the residents of Masafer Yatta, claiming the land for military training. This has left thousands of families in a constant state of fear and displacement.
Yuval Abraham, an Israeli journalist, shares Basel’s deep frustration with the ongoing oppression. Unlike many of his fellow Israelis, Yuval has used his platform to expose injustices against Palestinians, holding his own government accountable.
Their paths crossed through their shared passion for truth, and together, they embarked on a journey to tell the story of Masafer Yatta to the world.
No Other Land: A Documentary That Speaks Truth to Power
Over five years, Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham co-directed No Other Land, along with Hamdan Ballal and Rachel Szor. The documentary showcases the relentless demolitions, violent settler attacks, and forced expulsions faced by the people of Masafer Yatta.
Basel Adra’s personal experiences—watching his home and community being torn apart—make the film deeply emotional and compelling.
The film’s success at international film festivals, including winning the Berlinale Best Documentary Film Award and the Panorama Audience Award, underscores its impact. It has not only won accolades but has also forced global audiences to confront the harsh realities of the occupation.
Friendship Amid Conflict: The Unbreakable Bond
Despite coming from opposite sides of the conflict, Basel and Yuval have built a friendship rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for justice.
Their relationship is not without challenges. In No Other Land, a Palestinian friend asks Yuval a piercing question: “How can we remain friends when your government destroys my home?” This raw moment highlights the complexities of their bond.
However, Yuval refuses to stay silent. He acknowledges his privilege as an Israeli and uses his position to amplify Basel’s voice. He openly criticizes Israeli policies, even at great personal risk. After their Berlinale speech, where they condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, Yuval faced accusations of antisemitism and even death threats.
But he remains steadfast, believing that silence is not an option.
The Global Response and Political Repercussions
No Other Land has resonated deeply with audiences, yet it has also sparked controversy. While international viewers have praised the documentary for its courage and authenticity, Israeli officials and right-wing media have dismissed it as biased propaganda.
The Israeli public broadcaster went as far as calling Yuval’s statements antisemitic—a claim he fiercely rejects, noting that his own family perished in the Holocaust.
Meanwhile, Basel continues to face threats on the ground. In February 2025, he was attacked by masked settlers in Masafer Yatta. Despite the dangers, he remains committed to his work, drawing strength from the global support their film has received.
Why Their Story Matters
At its core, the story of Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham is about more than just a film. It is a testament to the power of solidarity in the face of injustice. Their work challenges the notion that Palestinians and Israelis are destined to be enemies.
Instead, it shows that change is possible when individuals choose to stand together against oppression.
The film’s success is also a call to action.
Awareness alone is not enough—policy changes, international pressure, and grassroots activism are necessary to ensure that communities like Masafer Yatta are not erased from the map.
The Future: Will the World Listen?
Basel and Yuval Abraham’s fight is far from over. With No Other Land now reaching a global audience, they hope their message will inspire real action.
Governments must hold Israel accountable for its policies in the West Bank, and media outlets must continue to shine a light on these injustices.
As Basel says in the film, “One water drop doesn’t make change, but keep dropping the water, and it will.” Their journey is proof that even in the darkest times, voices of truth and resilience can break through.
Final Thoughts
The bond between Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham is a powerful reminder that humanity can transcend borders, politics, and conflict.
Their courage in speaking truth to power has brought international recognition to the struggle of Masafer Yatta, proving that storytelling can indeed be a force for change. Now, the world must decide: will it listen, or will it allow history to repeat itself?